Russell Barnett, center, of the Kentucky Institute for the Environment and Sustainable Development gives a tour along Beargrass Creek on Earth Day. April 22, 2014 (Photo: Aaron Borton, Special to the CJ)

Russell Barnett, center, of the Kentucky Institute for the Environment and Sustainable Development gives a tour along Beargrass Creek on Earth Day. April 22, 2014 (Photo: Aaron Borton, Special to the CJ)

Venkata Gullapalli a doctoral student at UofL's speed school talks about his natural filtration research project seen beside him on Earth Day at Karen Lynch Park. April 22, 2014 (Photo: Aaron Borton, Special to the CJ)

Three years ago, Tina Ward-Pugh had the idea to help develop a water demonstration park that could teach local residents about water-quality issues in Kentucky.

"Learning about water-quality issues in the Beargrass, serving with (Metropolitan Sewer District) on the wet weather team and volunteering at WaterStep made me keenly aware of our water-quality issues," Ward-Pugh, a longtime member of the Louisville Metro Council, said Tuesday. "I'm a hands-on visual learner."

Former MSD Executive Director Bud Schardein talks about the history of Louisville's Beargrass Creek and the reason for the straightening of the original creek with concrete walls.

The Beargrass Falls Water and Sustainability Education Center at Karen Lynch Park was dedicated as part of Earth Day. The event featured canoe trips on Beargrass Creek, nature walks and a University of Louisville student seminar on potential improvements for the creek. The center will offer education and insight into water conservation, including the value of a rain garden and how to use barrels to catch runoff from roofs.

"The idea is how to come together to get clean water for a vibrant community," said Lauren Hack of WaterStep. "Water is one element that has a huge impact on many lives."

Big Rock in 1926. (Photo: (Courtesy of University of Louisville Photographic Archives))

South side of south fork of Beargrass Creek, east of Swan Street, looking downstream toward Swan Street bridge. Beginning of excavation for channel. 1926. (Photo: (Courtesy of University of Louisville Photographic Archives))

On left bank of south fork of Beargrass Creek at the foot of Rufer Ave. Showing improved channel and southeastern sewer outlet. 1929. (Photo: (Courtesy of University of Louisville Photographic Archives))

South Fork of Beargrass Creek, south of Eastern Parkway. Looking upstream along north bank. Showing the new channel excavated by the fiscal court of Jefferson County in right-of-way obtained from the U.S. Government. 1931. (Photo: (Courtesy of University of Louisville Photographic Archives))

South side of south fork of Beargrass Creek, east of Swan Street, looking downstream toward Swan Street bridge. Beginning of excavation for channel. 1926. (Photo: (Courtesy of University of Louisville Photographic Archives))